Vice President, Marketing & Communications

UNIVERSITY OF LYNCHBURG•Lynchburg, VA

1d•$135,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Lynchburg is seeking a full-time Vice President, Marketing and Communications in the President’s Office. Reporting to the President, this strategic leader will build and lead a high-performing marketing and communications function that advances the University’s enrollment, brand, marketing, advertising, and communications goals. The Vice President will set University-wide objectives, use data and insights to shape strategies, develop talent, and steward resources to deliver measurable results. The role partners with Enrollment, Alumni Relations, Athletics, Advancement, Professional Development, academic leaders, and external partners to develop integrated campaigns supporting institutional priorities, brand recognition, enrollment, and fundraising. This is a fully on-site leadership position based at the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia. Regular in-person presence on campus is required; remote work is not available. The Vice President develops and executes an integrated strategy aligned with the University’s strategic plan, enrollment goals, fundraising priorities, and institutional brand. The role leads marketing and communications professionals, stewards the University brand and creative direction, and serves on the President’s senior leadership team. Responsibilities also include leading digital and data-driven marketing, supporting enrollment, engagement, and advancement, overseeing strategic communications and reputation management, and managing budgets, technology investments, vendors, agencies, and partnerships. The position ensures practices meet applicable accessibility, privacy, legal, and University standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or a related field.
At least 10 years of progressive marketing, communications, or related leadership experience, including significant experience leading teams and enterprise-wide initiatives.
At least 5 years of management experience, including hiring, developing, and leading marketing or communications professionals and managers.
Proven experience developing and executing strategic, integrated marketing plans tied to organizational goals and measurable outcomes.
Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams and foster a culture of trust, excellence, and continuous improvement.
Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and public speaking skills.
Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate, and collaborate with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.
Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives and competing priorities.
High integrity, discretion, judgment, and professionalism when managing sensitive and confidential matters.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and engaging diverse audiences.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Higher Education, or a related field.
Higher education experience, particularly partnering across Enrollment, Advancement, Alumni Relations, Athletics, and academic leadership.
Digital and marketing technology expertise, including CRM or advancement systems, marketing automation, analytics, paid media, and the strategic application of AI and emerging technologies.
Demonstrated success leading major initiatives, such as institutional brand development, integrated campaigns, enrollment or fundraising initiatives, organizational transformation, or high-profile launches.
Executive communications and reputation management experience, including media relations, crisis communication, executive messaging, and advising senior leaders on institutional positioning.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute an integrated marketing and communications strategy aligned with the University’s strategic plan, enrollment goals, fundraising priorities, and institutional brand.
Establish priorities, KPIs, budgets, and measures of success.
Provide visionary leadership, mentorship, and accountability for marketing and communications professionals and senior leaders; foster collaboration, creativity, professional growth, and results.
Steward the University brand and ensure a consistent voice, visual identity, and message across audiences and channels.
Lead creative direction, campaigns, agency partnerships, and institution-wide brand standards.
Serve on the President’s senior leadership team and advise on reputation, crisis communications, brand positioning, and stakeholder engagement.
Lead an integrated digital strategy covering the University website, SEO/AEO, social media, email, paid media, marketing automation, CRM, analytics, and emerging technologies.
Establish dashboards and reporting to evaluate performance, optimize investments, and improve the audience experience.
Partner with Enrollment Management, Advancement, Alumni Relations, and campus leaders on campaigns supporting recruitment, retention, alumni engagement, fundraising, and institutional advocacy.
Use audience insights and market trends to inform strategy and strengthen impact.
Oversee proactive media relations, executive and internal communications, and crisis and issue communications.
Advise the President and senior leadership team on institutional reputation, messaging, brand positioning, and stakeholder engagement.
Oversee the marketing and communications budget, technology investments, vendors, agencies, and strategic partnerships.
Align resources with institutional priorities and ensure marketing and communications practices meet applicable accessibility, privacy, legal, and University standards.